Sander Begeer

Sander Begeer is a Full Professor at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), affiliated with the Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, and holds academic roles in the APH - Mental Health and APH - Methodology departments. He leads the Netherlands Autism Register (NAR), a longitudinal cohort study focused on understanding differences between autistic and non-autistic individuals. His research aims to enhance societal understanding and improve support systems for autistic individuals.

Begeer coordinates courses on developmental disorders and autism research, supervising bachelor, master, and research master theses. He advises clinical and educational organizations such as GGZ Centraal and Stichting Dimence Groep. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those addressing health and well-being (SDG 3) and quality education (SDG 4).

Research interests include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental psychology, and clinical methodologies. Notable projects include Autism Works, exploring employment solutions for autistic individuals, and the EGAL project investigating genetic and environmental factors in ASD. Key publications from 2025 focus on educational outcomes, executive functioning differences, and diagnostic assessment improvements.

Begeer has received awards such as the Endeavour Research Fellowship (2012) and grants supporting studies on sex differences in autism. He collaborates internationally, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to ASD research and policy.